Drainage vs. Encapsulation: What Comes First in a Wet Crawl Space?

Let’s guide homeowners who are overwhelmed by moisture problems and unsure where to start. This article clearly explains how drainage and encapsulation work together — and why order matters.

Drainage vs. Encapsulation: What Comes First in a Wet Crawl Space?

So, your crawl space is wet — maybe even flooded after heavy rain — and you’re ready to do something about it.

You’ve read about vapor barriers. You’ve seen ads for encapsulation. You’ve even heard someone mention a sump pump.

But if everything sounds like a different fix, here’s the big question:

What comes first — drainage or sealing?

At PierPoint Foundation Solutions, we help Arkansas homeowners make sense of crawl space repair in the right order, so you don’t waste money on temporary fixes.

💧 Step One: Control the Water

If you’re seeing standing water or mud under your home, don’t seal it in. That only traps moisture, creating a greenhouse for mold and rot.

Drainage should always come first in a wet crawl space.

Here’s what we install:

✅ EZ-Flow or French drain system

These run along the crawl space perimeter and redirect groundwater.

✅ Sump pump with discharge line

Collects and pumps out water, even during storms or power outages (if you add a backup system).

✅ Discharge outlet graded away from the home

So you’re not dumping water right back at your foundation.

🧱 Step Two: Seal and Protect

Once the crawl space is dry — or at least no longer active with water flow — it’s time to encapsulate.

This locks out humidity and prevents future vapor intrusion.

Your system should include:

✔️ Commercial vapor barrier sealed to walls and piers

✔️ Foam board insulation or thermal wrap (optional for energy efficiency)

✔️ Dehumidifier to maintain ideal humidity levels

✔️ Crawl space doors and vent sealing

✔️ Optional floor jack stabilization if structural issues are present

❌ What Happens if You Do It Backwards?

Many companies or DIYers install plastic liners without addressing the water first. The result?

• Water pools under the plastic, creating mold and odors

• Humidity spikes, worsening air quality

• Plastic shifts and wrinkles, reducing effectiveness

• Repairs fail prematurely, wasting your investment

That’s why PierPoint always inspects first and explains the proper order. We don’t just install a product — we build a solution.

🔍 Not Sure What You Need First?

Every crawl space is different. Some are dry with high humidity. Others have water flow and structural damage. That’s why we offer:

• Free crawl space moisture assessments

• Drainage and encapsulation planning

• Structural evaluations for sagging or settling

• Same-week inspections across Arkansas

📞 Get the Right Fix in the Right Order

At PierPoint Foundation Solutions, we help you stop the moisture and protect your home from the ground up — starting with drainage, and sealing it for good.

📍 Serving all of Arkansas

📅 To schedule an inspection, contact Dakota Treece:

📞 (501) 284-9330

📘 Message us on Facebook @PierPointFoundationSolutions

🔗 Schedule Your Free Crawl Space Evaluation

Don’t seal the problem in. Drain it, then protect it — the PierPoint way.